I was there to have all the ashes rinsed away that covered my automobile following the devastating recent fires. Embers had settled into crevices, and peppered the roof of my SUV, as if to remind me of the devastation much of the world is experiencing of late. I had a deep moment of gratitude for all that I do have in this life, including just being grateful that someone else was washing my car today in the extreme heat.

I happen to be one of the lucky ones whose home remained safe, amongst a blanket of darkness and flames. I watched others at the carwash, who obviously came from the same situation (ashen-covered cars). Yet, I sat bewildered, as they pointed out to the carwash staff that some slight soot and debris still remained on their vehicles. I swear it was almost microscopic as I leaned in to see what they were complaining about. I heard a man point out that he had just paid $20 dollars for a complete wash, and he expected it to be perfect. One gal wasn’t happy that she still had some ashes scattered behind her wipers, and I watched as she expressed dissatisfaction to the busy and hardworking crew.
The phrase “realistic-expectations” crept into my mind. I sat bewildered at the thought of how most people were simply happy to be alive and still have a vehicle …while realizing others cannot be satisfied enough. Hmmm, splitting hairs for perfectionism? Is there really such a thing as “perfect”? I think not, after all, these were used cars – yet their owners expected showroom-quality results.

Interestingly, the term “Realistic Expectations” is a common phrase in our medical industry. One role of a plastic surgeon is to determine whether or not a patient seeks realistic expectations, and if not, advise them of such. That process alone helps to weed out the patient population that should, and should not, seek surgical improvements. Even the world’s best surgeons cannot promise to deliver perfection, but more importantly, I question how a person could even expect that. Plastic surgery is available to improve the face and body, and/or to reconstruct birth defects, yet nowhere does it state any one individual delivers perfection. Our goal (as an industry) is to improve the quality, appearance and physical ailments of patients, and we do just that.

I think the world has changed with respect to what they feel is attainable these days. Because we live in a ‘faster, newer, disposable mindset’, it often misleads people to believe medical perfection does exist. Years ago I witnessed the general patient population as having very realistic expectations and desires. We often over-delivered and undersold, mostly so that the patient could understand that medicine is not an exact science. Rather, it is one person (or a team of medical experts) doing their very best as human beings. (Just as carwash employees are dedicated to improving your vehicles’ body, often in the sweltering heat, polishing and shining metal to a radiant outcome).

Doctors are human, and occasionally a revision may be required. The science of medicine is not a perfect one, but I can assure you that qualified physicians will always seek to achieve the best results for their patients. They listen, they care, and they work feverishly together to help you “shine”, so that you look and feel better, and more confident.
Let’s put things in perspective. Let’s be realistic. Let’s all try to be a grateful nation again. Always make informed decisions, seek out medical professionals that are experts in their fields, and ensure their team is highly educated and dedicated to serving you too.

The next time you seek a cosmetic improvement, please remember the goal: improvement. I for one am proud to say, that all of our Providers and all of our team players promise to deliver their very best, no matter the climate.

As I left work yesterday, I was consumed with pride for my co-workers and colleagues as I watched them in action…unselfishly working together for the greater good of all patients’ concerns, and often misfortunes.

I always look for topics to write about, ones that strike me personally as interesting and/or passionate. There was really nothing in particular about the day’s events, yet again I witnessed an overwhelming dedication to my staff’s profession. That “routine day” was what inspired me to write this blog today. On any given day, we help so many, and I sincerely feel our physicians and nurses (and front staff as well) are unsung heroes.

In particular, I witness how our physicians help the masses, to regain self-confidence, and restore a broken self-image. Of course this includes the routine cosmetic procedures, but more importantly, surgeries for reconstruction that truly put people back-together-again. I call this “Humpty Dumpty surgery”.

I smile as I write this, as I reflect upon a few embedded memories, such as the young 16-year-old that was born with a huge mole that consumed 60% of her face. Her sad eyes hid behind her long hair as she tried to conceal this birth defect. It was an honor to work alongside Dr. Stevens as he performed reconstructive surgery on this humble teenager, to remove her defect and unleash her innate confidence. And then there was the young woman who was hit by a car which resulted in partially severing her left leg. She mustered the energy in the Emergency Room to beg Dr. Stevens to “please save her leg so she could dance at her upcoming wedding”. After many reconstructive surgeries, she did just that. Dr. Macias has helped hundreds when he was in the military, and God only knows how he positively impacted the lives of many soldiers during those years.

And then, just yesterday, again nothing out of the ordinary, Dr. Hammoudeh helped a young man whose smile was impacted by an accident, and as he set out to reconstruct this man’s face, I smiled just knowing that I saw an angel behind his medically-trained eyes. His unyielding dedication combined with his gentle and caring nature is what I admire most about him. The satisfaction I get from watching him perform these miracles, knows no bounds. I drove home last night with a swollen heart from feeling privileged to work beside him.

In the past few decades, many attempts have been made to redefine the core values of the medical profession, and healthcare has certainly undergone many changes affected by politics and government. But one thing remains the same: these wonderful doctors and nurses that surround me work feverishly to abide by their Hippocratic Oath, (a moral code for ethical conduct) and they carry out this promise daily, and in humble silence.

Most will never really know – as I do- all that resides behind the white coat, but I am proud to say that under that garment, I see angels. That vision is as pure and wholesome as a childhood nursery rhyme, and I for one, feel proud to be a part of the real-life storybook of putting Humpty-Dumpys back together again.

If you desire a cosmetic improvement, I encourage you to seek a consultation. Life is not a dress rehearsal, so call 310-827-2653, and learn about what options are available to help you improve your concerns, so that you can live happily ever after, starting today!

Xo
The End
Charlie

** MENTION THIS ARTICLE AND YOUR CONSULTATION WILL BE FREE **

Tattoo removal is one service we repeatedly get requests for. Historically, we have not offered this service as we were not impressed with the options that were available. We felt the treatments were often too time-consuming, too painful, too expensive, or simply didn’t offer the level of satisfaction that we knew our clients expected and desired.

But all that has changed! We are now offering PicoWay® Tattoo Laser Removal.

Ready to lose your tattoo? Do it better and faster with PicoWay®! Best of all, PicoWay® tattoo removal often requires fewer treatments than traditional laser tattoo removal!

PicoWay® is the world’s first picosecond laser and the only advanced tattoo removal laser with PressureWave™ technology, which works with your body to remove unwanted ink. PicoWay® delivers laser energy that specifically targets tattoo ink, resulting in the successful shattering of just the ink particles without harming the surrounding tissue.

PicoWay® works effectively on:

• Multicolored tattoos, including blues and greens
• Hard-to-remove black ink
• Stubborn, previously treated tattoos

Here’s a sneak peek at my own progress (uhhh, yes, I too fell into the inkwell)

Follow me to see my results with only 3-4 treatments, and watch the sun set forever lol!

So, ARE YOU READY to eliminate unwanted, and often embarrassing, tattoos? EASY! Call us today at 310-827-2653 to begin your TATTOO UNDO!

Okay William and Matthew (my two tattoo-clad sons) …Are you reading this? Lol MOM

Melanoma can be deadly, so early detection and treatment is essential. Melanoma can begin in an existing mole or it can develop suddenly. At times, some consider these skin lesions to be “beauty marks” and therefore never seek medical attention for them, while in reality it may be a mark of serious medical concern.

During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we would really like to stress the importance of being able to spot the initial signs of melanoma as soon as possible

The evolution of your mole(s) has become the most important factor to consider when it comes to diagnosing a melanoma. Knowing what is normal for YOU could save your life. If a mole has gone through recent changes in color and/or size, bring it to the attention of a skin care expert immediately.
While examining your moles for a possible melanoma, follow the “ABCDE” rule for diagnosing melanoma:

• A stands for asymmetry. This is when one side of the mole looks different than the other
• B stands for border. Melanomas have uneven borders or edges that are irregular
• C stands for color. Melanomas have uneven coloring
• D stands for diameter; usually more than one-quarter inch (6 mm) across, but can be smaller
• E stands for evolving. Melanomas usually change in size, shape, or color

We can use this month to raise awareness about skin cancer and help people take action to prevent or detect it, both at home and in the community.
I am hoping to make an impact, as this hits home. Our dear friend, Mike, lost his amazing and beautiful wife to Melanoma.

(Mike & the late Amanda Brown)

After watching the gut-wrenching pain Amanda endured, our friend made it his life mission to save others. As a tribute to his wife, Mike has written a book, and traveled all over the United States teaching children early on to be aware of this deadly beauty mark. Now, he is in the midst of making a documentary for others to see the gripping effects of this horrible fate.

I am personally asking you to help with early melanoma detection. Please watch this 4 minute video about Amanda, and if this speaks to your heart, I ask you to share…anything is helpful!

Secondly, please don’t become a statistic! CALL OUR OFFICE TODAY at 310.827.2653 and during the month of May, we will offer you FREE appointment with one of our Physician Extenders, (Cory, Carla or Jennifer) for a full body skin exam. (Normally $175)

I hope to save a life.

Within minutes, I headed to the staff lounge, and could hear a slight buzz in the air, far more intoxicating then the dreamy smell of morning coffee. Amidst a few giggles and laughter, I decided to simply credit this contagious euphoria as the normal “Friday exuberance ‘for being the end of a work week – either that or these gals unanimously decided they were suddenly full of gratitude for their jobs, and so, I relished getting to be the boss of such gracious employees. Well, not exactly. Nice try Charlie.

Truth be told, they were exchanging stories about their ‘spectacular night’ and their umm, ‘new-and- improved lady parts’. Aha! It wasn’t the Botox rep at all! I suddenly recalled that we had a staff in-service from our new “Vaginal Rejuvenation Rep” the day prior. So why all the giddiness? Well, apparently, this treatment REALLY worked. Trust me, their passion and enthusiasm was palpable. All these women spoke about their immediate increased satisfaction- and, thank-you-very-much, their partner’s satisfaction too. Some spoke about their concerns with vaginal laxity after childbirth. (A major contributor to incontinence). And as they laughed and shared, not a single one had that embarrassing leak following a belly laugh or a sneeze. I was in fact witnessing first hand, my very own staff’s purest testimonial for this amazing service. What made this unique? The fact that we had just taken ownership of this new Radio-Frequency device and my employees became the nation’s first recipients of this improved vaginal rejuvenation technology. All of them experienced heightened satisfaction … and I was clearly hearing and seeing the, shall we say, ‘after-glow’? Okay, staff perks just took on a whole new meaning, ha!

So, how could I resist not sharing this with you?! This experience made me feel compelled to remind you all that we offer very effective non-surgical treatments for women’s health and wellness – and clearly, this was a big one. With one simple, safe, and short session, (with a female provider) women can now feel restored and renewed.

How ironic – I had just watched an episode of The Real Housewives last week as they were chatting it up about seeking out this treatment… probably scripted for sensationalism, (no pun intended). But Reality TV has nothing on us, this script was the real deal – just ask my staff!

~ Charlie Sheridan

“Write it on your heart that EVERY DAY is the best day in the year.”

Most importantly, I want to say THANK YOU for taking time from your busy day to read what I write

I find it extremely apropos that today I decided to share a list of questions that I was recently asked, about trends in our industry. Here are those questions, and my answers, below. ENJOY!
 

1. What is the latest trend with breast augmentation?

Bigger is NOT better! While more ‘tush-cush’ is all the rage, larger augmented-breasts are not. Breast augmentation sizes are typically getting smaller – including the nipple. The new “it” body type is lean yet curvy, for those wishing to change their shape and size. …Another reason why Breast Reduction, and Implant exchange (for smaller ones) are on the rise!
 

2. What is a “Walk-in, Walk-out procedure?”

This typically refers to a simple office treatment that offers less recovery time than surgical options would. With the demand for less down-time, manufacturers of lasers and light-source therapies have developed revolutionary treatments that are quick, safe, and easily performed as an in-office treatment. They will never replace the results that one can obtain from a surgical procedure, but they will certainly “turn back the hands of time” in a natural, gentle manner! (A perfect example: Ultherapy vs. Facelift )
 

3. What is new in weight loss?

If your New Year’s Resolution included weight loss, you may wish to consider the NEW Obalon Balloon System! We are proud to be the first practice in the United States to offer this amazing swallowable, FDA-approved program. In fact, we are offering 2 FREE OBALON OPEN-HOUSE EVENTS (1/10 & 1/18) at our office. JUST CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR OUR EVENT ON 1/10 OR CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR 1/18! Studies prove that people are more successful when they take care of themselves, look their best, and nurture their souls. I always say: “When we feel better about ourselves, we perform better in all aspects of our lives, both at home and at work”.
 

4. Is there help for hair loss?

Yes! NeoGraft hair replacement for men and women is the answer. NeoGraft Automated Hair Transplantation system is a leading edge technology for men and women looking to restore their hairline using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method to gently remove the individual follicles from the back of the head (the “donor area”) in their naturally occurring groupings of about 1-4 hairs. The follicles are then artistically implanted in the areas of the scalp where balding has occurred to complement the facial structure and current hairline, resulting in a discrete, natural-looking hair transplant. This is a life changing experience that leaves you feeling confident forever.
 

5. Is there any million dollar secret to improve cellulite?

Yes! CELLFINA is the first procedure of its kind. A simple, in-office treatment that reduces cellulite! What’s the catch? It’s not for everyone. You need to first be examined to determine if you are an actual candidate. If so, one office visit will do the trick…no surgery, no anesthesia. Here’s to sharing a million dollar secret for all women! With Cellfina, you can finally say ‘good-bye’ to cellulite, and ‘hello’ to higher hemlines!
 

6. What were the most popular treatments performed in your office in 2016?

It is such a blessing to be part of an industry that changes so many lives for the better! I often think about a study published in April of 2015 (JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery) that found women who underwent facial rejuvenation surgery were perceived to be not only more attractive but also more likeable than they were before the surgery. Why? The surgeries caused the women’s resting facial expressions to appear happier, which in turn led people to believe that they were more likeable. That led to improved self-confidence which in turn caused the outer appearance to reflect this characteristic. Basically…when you look good, you feel good! Appreciation of one’s self has a very positive effect. Plastic surgery and medical-spa treatments easily improve a person’s appearance and well-being, and improve his or her self-image. Positive self-confidence is the immune system of the spirit!

Nourish your spirit by taking care of yourself, love who you are, and cherish your individuality

When I think back over my entire career with him, I am mostly moved by his unyielding passion and commitment. Even as he gains another candle on his birthday cake, this man has no intention of slowing down – and trust me; he’s hard to keep up with! Whether operating, teaching other physicians, filming a medical documentary, or traveling all over the planet to lecture abroad, the man simply doesn’t stop.

Above all, as I reflect on almost 30 years of working together, I am touched by all the loyal and sacred memories of his team, from short-term helpers, to those that have been there for decades. Every person made a difference, and we choose to remain a family, forever.

“We are not a team because we work together,
We are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other”

It is commendable to be such a role model for so many, and therefore, I wanted to take this opportunity to say it through this lil’ditty that my son Matthew put together, which says it all. Enjoy!

So, this month I decided to share about….wait for it — shaving your face as one of THE best kept Hollywood secrets of all times. As media often illustrates, celebs are always sporting flawless complexions, in part because of their good genes, and partly because of some very well-kept industry secrets. Shaving is one of them— and I’ll bet that if you haven’t heard of it, you’ve seen the results. But where does that leave us gals? Well, I’m all for equal rights (lol) and so I say “we can too”…But let’s call it by a kinder, gentler name: Dermaplaning.

Dermaplaning is a safe and effective treatment that provides a deep exfoliation of the face and removes the old, dead outer skin, and vellus hairs. But before you grab your Gillettes and start lathering your faces, allow me to explain exactly HOW this technique should be properly carried out. No, it is not an actual razor that is used… it’s a scalpel (okay, I’m confident that I have your attention now).

When performed by a medical professional, Dermaplaning is safe and effective, and in fact is done every day in our office by our 3 Master Medical Aestheticians, Rachael, Ann & Paulette. (For optimal results, you should have this done once a month). Basically, these skilled and licensed professionals will gently scrape the surface of your skin with a specialized scalpel, using light, feathering strokes. To top it all off, we then offer an array of hydrating serums, AHAs, or other boosters that will immediately penetrate (much deeper now with all that old dead skin gone). Last step: a dollop of moisturizer and sunscreen, and voila! You’ll now be sporting a super fresh face that will leave even the local barber shop envious.

I know this all sounds strange; after all, we were taught early on that shaving your legs makes the hair grow back thicker and darker. Or does it? Well, no, that theory is false because you aren’t messing with the follicle itself, which means your hair will grow at the same rate, width, and texture as before. Facial hairs cannot get thicker or darker; they’re naturally soft and silky. By removing the fine hairs on your face, you’ll also see your own beauty products will sink in deeper and faster. Not to mention, your makeup will also glide on smoother too!

Best of all, everyone can benefit, men, women and adolescents, as this treatment is excellent for all skin types and even those with skin sensitivities…goodness, it’s even safe for pregnant women! Recovery? None; you may have some redness after the treatment but it will be gone that same day. So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy way to boost your complexion, consider Dermaplaning. You’ll have nothing to lose but unwanted icky dead skin!

Warning: Don’t try this at home (with your kitchen knife)

A new car, a new home, or a fine piece of art, these are all big ticket items, that when bought, stir up feelings within us that makes that ‘shopping-and-buying-experience’, exhilarating! But, these are only inanimate things, and I always say, “Nothing really matters unless it has a heartbeat”. For example, it wasn’t your grandma’s actual brick-and-mortar home during the holidays that was so intoxicating; it was the experience within those 4 walls that left you with a plethora of feel-good emotions.

The same is true when you invest in yourself. As a society, especially in today’s fast paced ‘SnapChat lifestyle’, we often overlook THE most priceless asset of all…ourselves. Helping to achieve our BEST self, and the feelings that looking good evokes within us, make us feel more alive, happier and more present in the moment. There have even been medical studies to prove this.

Meet Stefanie. She stirred up something inside of me. Much of her concerns were similar to mine, and quite simply, I could relate to her. Stefanie felt it was time to work on herself. She dreaded the physical aspect of the aging process, as it didn’t match the youthful and playful person she is inside. She would walk past a mirror, yet catch a glimpse of her mother. So Stefanie met with Dr. Grant Stevens, who suggested a face and neck lift, to be followed up with “icing on the cake” (IOC). IOC is the term that Dr. Grant Stevens coined, which describes in-office laser treatments that treat skin issues (for clarity, texture and color). Let’s face it, even when skin is lifted, surgery alone doesn’t repair years of spots and skin damage from the sun.

After any face lift, additional skin-improvement treatments are typically needed for the patient’s best outcome, and in our practice, they don’t come at an additional cost. We find this final step essential; In essence, IOC takes a good result…to a spectacular one! We want every surgery patient to get the highest return on their investment, and a quick glance at Stefanie’s before-and-after picture ensures we did just that

…Mother just became daughter again!

So, if you feel “ahead of your time” so to speak, be sure to make the most from your plastic surgery experience. Go on, invest in yourself, the payoff will be priceless.

Helping others starts at home, your neighbors, and your own community. You needn’t feel that only global efforts matter, in fact, many people you encounter in your own circle of life can benefit from the most basic of needs. Remember that you can help local churches, homeless communities, and certainly volunteer for many altruistic causes.

One such organization that is especially dear to my heart is Breast Oasis. Founded by John Pedersen, M.D., Breast Oasis is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing underprivileged women with new or gently-used bras. WHY BRAS? Because there are thousands of women in our own community (and across the country) that have a tough time affording even basic essentials, such as bras.

With all the awareness we have with breast surgery and breast size in our cosmetic practice, it’s a “perfect and natural fit” to collect these garments and donate them to Breast Oasis! Therefore, our company chooses to support this cause, as we proudly display two “collection stations” all year long. Just think: If you’re undergoing breast surgery and no longer fit into your old bras…we will gladly take them off your hands! We will get them professionally cleaned and package them nicely, and we’ll even include a personal note for the recipient. With the help of my staff, I then personally will deliver them to the needy across Southern California, such as we did here: Click here: Press Release | Breast Oasis

Want to help? You can support these women and teenagers by simply donating new or used bras. The donation process couldn’t be simpler! Just go through your closet and set aside gently used bras that you haven’t worn in a while. We need all sizes! Simply drop them off at our office (or mail them in) and we will distribute them. We invite you to partner with us, truly make a difference, and help us create an “oasis” for women in need.

Thank you!